News

At least 17 people have been killed as a boat carrying more than 50 pilgrims capsized near the coastal town of Bohara on Thursday, rescue sources said.

Five women, six men, and three children died in the incident, rescue sources reported, adding that 47 passengers were rescued and shifted to the hospital.

Around 80 pilgrims, including women and children, were on their way to a shrine ‘mela’ (fair) when their boat capsized in the open sea, Thatta Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Haseeb Afzal said, adding that the boat was overloaded with passengers.

Pilgrims including women and children were on their way to attend the annual Urs at the shrine of Pir Pathai. They are believed to be members of the Dawoodi Bohra community.

SSP Afzal further said that the incident took place near the shore and 52 passengers were successfully rescued.

According to initial reports, bodies of two women, two children and a man were brought to Sheikh Zayed Sakro Hospital where they were pronounced dead.

Strong winds coupled with an overloaded boat are considered to have played a role in the accident.